The Murray State Racers faced a challenging game on Saturday, Nov. 2, as they fell to the Jackrabbits 52-6 in the first ever meeting between the two teams. The Racers now sit at 1-8 overall and 0-6 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. 

The Racers started strong with kicker James London’s impressive 55-yard field goal, cutting the Jackrabbit lead to 7-3 and making history as the first Murray State player to hit five field goals of 50 yards or more.

However, the Jackrabbits responded swiftly with a dominant offensive display, scoring a quick 67-yard touchdown run and racking up 24 points in the first quarter alone. By halftime, South Dakota State held a commanding 38-6 lead, having outgained Murray State significantly—595 yards to 236. The Racers struggled offensively, averaging just 4.1 yards per play and running 14 fewer plays than their opponents, which made it difficult to stay competitive in the game.

The Racers will look to regroup as they prepare for their final home game of the 2024 season against the Missouri State Bears next Saturday, November 9th, at 1 p.m. at Roy Stewart Stadium. This matchup will be significant as it marks Missouri State’s first visit to Murray since 2016, and the Racers will aim to leverage their 8-4 all-time series lead against the Bears, despite losing the last three meetings since their last home victory in 2013.